N.Z. forestry mission to visit China

Press, 11 October 1985, Page 30

N.Z. forestry mission to visit China

PA Wellington A nine-member New Zealand forestry mission is to investigate opportunities in China. The mission is described as technical, involving cooperation in areas of management, protection and harvesting. However, it is believed the visit will pave the way for sales of New Zealand’s vast forestry products due to come on stream during the 19905.

After a recent mission to China, the Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Moore, said forestry was one of the biggest growth potential areas for trade.

“Apart from sales of logs, pulp and newsprint, opportunities for technical cooperation were identified during the mission,” Mr Moore said.

“Areas such as forestry protection and management, harvesting, wood processing and tree genetics have been identified as those we will now co-operate on,” he said. Letters have been exchanged between China’s Minister of Forests, Yang Zhong, and his New Zealand counterpart, Mr Wetere.

The delegation represents both the public and private sectors.

The group will be led by the Director-General of the Forest Service, Mr Andy Kirkland, and his chief director of research, Dr Colin Bassett

Other delegates from the Forest Service are the deputy director of the Commercial Division, Mr John Rex; a scientist in forest pathology, Dr Steve Chou; the director of the Advisory Services Division, Mr lan Trotman; and the director of the Forest Health and Improvement Division, Dr Mike Wilcox.

Representatives in the private sector are the general manager, marketing and supply, of Tasman Forestry, Ltd, Mr Dennis Neilson; the director of one of New Zealand’s largest forestry consultant firms, J. G. Groome and Associates, Mr John Groome; and the deputy managing director of Tasman Lumber Company, Mr Brent Lonn.

Discussions will be held in Peking early next month when Mr Kirkland joins the group.